Parallel world of a new superpower
Article Abstract:
An Anglo-French collaborative effort supported by the European Community's Espirit program (European Strategic Programme for Research in Information Technology) has led to the development of supernode computers, which are faster, more powerful, and cheaper than conventional computers. Supernode computers are based on a microprocessor called the transputer, which contains nearly all computer functions on a single computer chip. The transputer is well suited for use in parallel processing tasks. In parallel processing, a task is broken into single components which are sub-tasked to separate processors wired in parallel and operate simultaneously. Supernode computers, by using slower processors than supercomputers using sequential processing, provide for greater processing power at a lower price. The revolutionary new processors used by supernode computers were developed by the UK semi-conductor manufacturer Inmos Ltd. An Anglo-French Supernode II project is now developing software that will fully exploit the power of parallel processing.
Publication Name: International Management
Subject: Business, international
ISSN: 0020-7888
Year: 1990
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Compaq's European accent
Article Abstract:
Compaq Computers' COO and Exec VP Eckhard Pfeiffer was head of Compaq Computer's non-US operations until Jan 1991, at which time he was promoted to his present position. The promotion means that the German-born Pfeiffer, who ran the firm's non-US operations out of Munich, will relocate to the firm's Houston headquarters. Under Pfeiffer, a former employee of Texas Instruments (TI), Compaq became the second largest computer company in Europe after IBM. The firm has been successful because it has beaten IBM to market with products that were often superior. Pfeiffer, who learned the business with TI's European operations, says that TI, which was initially successful in Europe but then failed, made a major mistake when it attempted to get into direct sales, which led dealers to abandon the firm. Compaq has achieved success in Europe by paying careful attention to its distribution channels.
Publication Name: International Management
Subject: Business, international
ISSN: 0020-7888
Year: 1991
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The case for collective security
Article Abstract:
European semiconductor manufacturers should abandon the idea of becoming self-sufficient and instead concentrate on niche markets. While some European semiconductor manufacturers are looking to joint ventures with US or Japanese firms, the best venue is to concentrate on niche markets. One possible specialty market is the market for application-specific integrated circuits. By concentrating on specialty markets, European semiconductor manufacturers can achieve success by improving their margins, stabilizing prices, and defusing competition.
Publication Name: International Management
Subject: Business, international
ISSN: 0020-7888
Year: 1991
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